A warning has been given by the charity Sense that people are not sufficiently aware of the danger rubella poses to pregnant women.

The charity, for people with deafblindness and associated disabilities, is concerned that the reduced uptake of the MMR vaccine could lead to new outbreaks of rubella, putting unborn children at risk.

Malcolm Matthews, director of community support and information for Sense said, "It is extremely worrying that people, particularly younger people, do not seem to realise how dangerous rubella can be in the early stages of pregnancy.

"We're asking people to remember rubella and talk to their medical practitioner to make sure they understand how dangerous this disease can be when they make decisions about MMR vaccination."

Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003

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